New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday strongly condemned the Delhi Police’s lathi charge on SSC aspirants and teachers protesting at Ramlila Maidan, describing it as a “hallmark of a cowardly government.”
The protest, attended by nearly 15,000 people, was organised to demand justice over alleged irregularities in government exams and recruitments. While most demonstrators began dispersing by evening, around 100 refused to leave, leading to a standoff with the police. Authorities said that after repeatedly requesting the protestors to vacate the premises peacefully once the permitted time had lapsed, tension escalated following verbal altercations, prompting police to resort to a lathi charge. Several people were injured and at least 44 protestors were detained.
Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said, “The brutal lathi charge on SSC aspirants and teachers peacefully protesting in Ramlila Maidan — not just shameful, but the hallmark of a cowardly government. The youth had only demanded their rights — employment and justice. What did they get? Lathis. It’s clear — the Modi government neither cares about the country’s youth nor their future. Why?"
He further added, "This government didn't come to power on the votes of the people, but by stealing votes. First, they'll steal votes, then, they'll steal exams, then, they'll steal jobs, then, they'll crush both your rights and your voice! Youth, farmers, the poor, Dalits, and minorities — they don't need your vote, so your demands will never be their priority. Now is the time — not to fear, but to stand firm and fight back.”
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reacted sharply. In a post on X, she said: “The use of police force against SSC students protesting at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan is inhuman and shameful. In every exam, there is rigging; in every recruitment, there is a scam, and paper leaks have left the youth of the entire country tormented. During the BJP rule, rampant corruption in recruitment processes and examinations is ruining the future of the youth. Instead of fixing it and listening to the youth, raining lathis on them is unfortunate. Instead of being cruel to the students, their concerns should be heard.”
Police officials confirmed that the protest, which began on Sunday, had grown tense as demonstrators refused to leave despite repeated warnings, ultimately resulting in the use of force to disperse the crowd.